The AFL is committed to fostering inclusivity and accessibility across all levels of the game. Workplay’s collaboration with Maple Community Services is an exciting initiative in support of this commitment. Together, we are creating pathways for women athletes to give back to their communities whilst developing personally and professionally.
During the 2024 Toyota Grand Final week, which saw more than 350,000 people attend the Footy Festival at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) brought together AFLW and VFLW stars through Workplay. Players inlcuding Zimmorlei Farquharson (Brisbane Lions), Georgia Clark (Collingwood), Bailey Hunt (Western Bulldogs), Eva Cafolla (Williamstown VFLW), and Grainne McLaughlin (North Melbourne VFLW) took part in activities aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility in AFL. Through this collaboration, athletes were able to engage directly with fans, sharing their passion and positivity in reinforcement of the message that AFL is a sport for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Through partnership with Maple Community Services we can ensure both fans and athletes of all abilities can enjoy and engage in our game. Initiatives such as these are helping shape a more inclusive future in sport, benefiting the broader community and providing valuable opportunities for athletes to make an impact off the field.
Irshad Mulla, CEO of Maple Community Services, also emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“This program is not just about making AFL more inclusive for fans and players with disabilities; it’s about creating meaningful opportunities for AFL athletes to contribute in impactful ways off the field. This blend of community service and personal growth is what makes the Workplay program so valuable for both athletes and the community.”
We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Maple Community Services who share in Workplay’s mission to empower athletes to make an impact both on and off the field. Through blending community engagement with professional growth, Maple Community Services and Workplay are paving the way for a more accessible and inclusive AFL experience for all.
